Tennis Ministy newsletter, Leadership

Love to Serve News August 15, 2000

I am in the last week of a 10 week, 23,000 miles, 30 city tour of the USA. The purpose of this trip was to organize others who have expressed an interest in becoming leaders for tennis ministry. God has raised up leadership within the Pro tour, University coaches, and Certified coaches. I thank the Lord for this.

A portion of my travel from Hong Kong was by auto and I was able to listen to many teaching tapes. I would like to tell you about one tape, that uses sports, coaching and leadership development as its theme. The title is 'Developing the Leader Within You' written by John C. Maxwell, a Pastor known for his leadership development. As a tennis coach, former team player and ministry leader, I felt his message gave me many new ideas. I will give you a brief outline of a portion of the tape. It is also available as a book and can be purchased at most bookstores. As I listened I could not help but be reminded of examples in the Bible, such as Moses election of 70 elders who assisted in carrying out his duties or Jesus choosing his 12 followers and then training them as leaders for the future mission of establishing the church.

Traits of a Coach (or ministry leader)

1. A coach constantly communicates the game plan to the team. (Jesus spoke to them daily)

2. A coach takes the time to meet with the team and reviews the goals. This provides:

a: focus, refocuses on fundamentals. (Jesus taught the disciples daily)
b: An opportunity to listen, two-way communication.
c: An opportunity to make personal changes, allow a different player to be involved.
d: An opportunity to make a strategic change.
e: An opportunity to rest, well timed it can revitalize.

3. A coach knows what the players prefer: This brings out the best in each one. (Jesus knew the strengths and weaknesses of each disciple)

4. A coach excels in problem solving-Problems create opportunities to learn, grow and improve. (Jesus knew what it took to solve problems)

a: Anticipate problems before they occur.
b: Maintain a positive attitude while they occur.
c: Use all of your resources to solve them as quickly as possible.
d: Learn from them so the same problems don't reoccur.

Choose your team well, start by picking winners! People on the team have following traits: (Jesus picked his disciples well)

a: know my heart, this takes time and desire on their part.
b: By loyal to the work and people.
c: By trustworthy, they do not abuse authority, power or confidences.
d: Be desiring in make decisions
e: Have a servants heart
f: Be a good thinker, two heads combined are better than one.
g: Be a finisher, take authority and carry out the vision.
h: Have a heart for God, when you have this you have the potential to play on the team.

5. Coach commands respect of players by trustworthiness, a caring attitude, ability to make difficult decisions. (Jesus was respected by his followers)

6. A Coach does not treat everyone the same, give the player the ball who will get the job finished. (Jesus assigned different tasks to different people)

7. A coach continues to win. It takes continued performance to win. (Jesus did not give up)

8. A coach understands the level of the player. (Jesus knew exactly what to say to each disciple)
Players fit into four categories.
a: players who need direction
b: players who need coaching
c: players who need support
d: players to whom you delegate.

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